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Skiing in Chamonix: Area Review and Holiday Expectations

This is my Chamonix ski areas review written for you based on what I have experienced during my trip to this magnificent place.

I had great expectations about this place as I read many positive reviews about the length and the quality of the pistes, the restaurants and apres-ski as well as the magnificent chalets from the area.

I had high expectations and somehow I was afraid that the place is not as beautiful as people said, but fortunately, it is more beautiful in reality than everyone can describe.

It is true that the prices are high and that you will pay a lot for a ski holiday in this part of the world, but it is something normal for the quality of services and the accommodations available in the area.

It is one of the very few places on earth where you can find so many Michelin star restaurants and so many top-notch hotels and chalets.

In this article, I will tell you my opinion about the ski area, the restaurants and the hotels from these part of the world.

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Review Chamonix ski areas

The Chamonix area is made up of 5 different ski areas, two of which are linked together while the rest of three are separated and spread along the valley.

Chamonix ski areas review
Chamonix Skipass Slopes Piste Map

The ski runs are located at an altitude from 950 m to 3300 m with many beautiful pistes for all types of skiers.

There are 6 green pistes, 30 blue, 31 red, 10 black and 2 snowparks spread all across the valley.

In total, there are more than 150 kilometres of pistes serviced by more than 65 lifts.

Chamonix Ski area review

Low mountain

On the base of the mountain, there are plenty of gentle slopes mostly suitable for beginners or for those looking to get their ski legs back before heading up onto higher mountains.

All the pistes from this part of the mountain are well maintained and serviced by a sufficient number of lifts, so you don’t have to wait in the queue to get up to the slopes.

During Christmas or New Year as well as during kids winter holiday the area is very crowded and full of loud kids, but since it is a beginners terrain it is normal.

Mid High area

My Chamonix ski areas review includes a few words about the largest winter sport domain area from the area, the mid-high area.

The winter sports areas from this part of the mountain are connected via regular buses or trains and the costs of the tickets are included in the price of your pass.

All the pistes are accessible via lifts and the area offers a much greater range of pistes suitable for beginners, expert skiers and snowboarders.

Mont Blanc winter Chamonix Valley France
Mont Blanc winter Chamonix Valley France

Some of the pistes from this part of the French Alps are located within the forest so you are protected from bad weather and wind.

This part of the mountain is also considered to be the gateway to the incredible Chamonix backcountry terrain.

Ski pass review Chamonix ski areas

The best ski pass to buy when going to the Chamonix area is Mont Blanc Unlimited lift pass which gives you access not only to the Chamonix Valley.

It gives you access also to the neighbouring ski areas such as Courmayeur from Italy, Evasion Mont Blanc domain and Verbier.

Chamonix’s snow record

The snow conditions are very good especially on the pistes located in the mid-high area, with most of the pistes facing north.

ski resort near Chamonix France French Alpes
ski resort near Chamonix France French Alpes

One of the best places to ski, famous for its abundance of snow is Les Grand Montets, with slopes and lifts open until early May.

This place is known as the snow pocket of Chamonix Valley with Le Tour famous for being the snowiest village in France.

Chamonix ski areas reviews of restaurants and après ski

Chamonix has a wide range of restaurants from simple and cosy huts to one of the finest dinings in the entire Alps.

At the top of the list are Michelin star restaurants like Hameau d’Albeert and Auberge du Bois Prin hotels.

If you don’t want to spend your entire budget on a single meal, we recommend you to try some mid-range restaurants, like Le Manchu or La Caleche.

Chamonix French ski resorts in France at the foot of Mont Blanc
Chamonix French ski resorts in France at the foot of Mont Blanc

Chamonix is a very lively resort with plenty of options suitable to all tastes and pockets.

There is a wide range of apres ski and bar located all over the area, out of which Chambre Neuf near the station and The Pub are the most vivid ones.

Chamonix ski areas review of hotels

Things get even better when we talk about hotels, the area having a wide range of chalets and luxury hotels hidden in these cosy mountain villages.

1. Grand Hôtel des Alpes

Grand Hotel Des Alpes Chamonix is a wonderful ski resort located in the centre of the town, just 10 minutes walk from Montenvers Mer de Glace train station and 500 metres from Le Brévent ski lift.

Its elegant rooms overlooking the Mont Blanc, the highest peak from the area, await the guests not only in winter but also during summertime.

You can use the ski slope shuttle service to get faster to the slopes and chill in the hotel’s après-ski when you come back.

2. Alpina Eclectic Hotel

Alpina Eclectic Hotel Chamonix is a 4-star hotel conveniently located near the restaurants and bars from the village.

A game room, a ski room, a spa with a large swimming pool and a ski renting facilities are available on-site, while from the lounge bar located at a 7th-floor guest can admire the majestic Mont Blanc.

I must tell you that what the time spend here exceeded my expectations and Chamonix ski area reviews which describe the beauty of the place are true!

It is indeed one of the most beautiful places where you can go skiing with many amazing restaurants and hotels and one of the best slopes in the world!

Logistical tips and tricks for your trip

Book your accommodation
We always use Booking.com as they have the best price-quality ratio and they offer a wide range of hotels, guesthouses, apartments, and villas to choose from.

You will find here all types of accommodations, from the cheapest ones to the most luxurious.

Don't forget travel insurance
We never leave home without HeyMondo Insurance or Safety Wings Insurance as they offer the best services and a good value for money.

When we go for longer trips around the world we get Globelink Insurance as it offers a good cover for an affordable price.

Travel insurance will always protect you against unexpected costs caused by medical events like illness, injury, theft, or travel cancellation.

We never go on any trip without travel insurance and there were many cases when we had to use it.

Renting a car
We like to explore a country on our own and a car gives us the mobility and freedom to do that.

We always rent our car from Discovercars as they have free cancellation 48 hours prior to starting date and a wide range of car rental companies and options to choose from all over the world.

Tours and attractions
When we are looking for some adventure or we simply want to break up the monotony and discover new places, we always use GetYourGuide.

We love it because we always find the most amazing experiences, with free cancellation and a large variety of activities and tours to choose from.

Airplane tickets and holiday packages
Expedia is our ally when searching for the best price for airplane tickets as it works as an aggregator for a huge number of airlines and we always find the best price for our flights.

Travel tip: use Expedia when you are searching for holiday packages as they have many last-minute offers and great discounts for hotels, flights, and even the whole holiday packages.